Visakhapatnam: A major port in the offing in State
Visakhapatnam: Union Minister of State for Shipping (Independent charge) Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday that the government was keen on improving inland waterways and ensuring cargo movement across the north-eastern states.
After inaugurating the two-day conclave of ports BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sector Technical and Economic Co-operation) in Visakhapatnam, Mandaviya said that the inland waterways would aid in enhancing the ease of doing business in Haldia, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
About future plans in Andhra Pradesh, the minister said that a major port is likely to be developed in the state based on the viability factors. "A report is getting readied and depending on the feasibility factors, either Ramayapatnam or Dugarajapatnam port would be developed," he said.
This apart, the minister said that plans were afoot to develop minor ports in India as well. In addition, port sector would soon witness a major transformation as a ship designing and testing centre would be set up.
"An MoU in this regard has already been signed with the IIT-Kharagpur for the modern testing facility which would aid in developing the maritime trade and exchanging best practices among the BIMSTEC member nations," he informed.
Further, the Union minister said that a single window platform had been developed by the Union government for the stakeholders to integrate trade related documents in a hassle-free manner.
During the conclave, Memorandums of Understanding by three major ports on the east coast of India were signed with Port of Thailand Authority on the day one of the conclave. The MoUs were signed by Visakhapatnam Port Trust, Chennai Port Trust and Kolkata Port Trust to promote maritime trade with Ranong Port in Thailand.
Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust and Indian Ports Association Sanjay Bhatia briefed on strengthening ties among the member nations of BIMSTEC. Among others, VPT chairman K Rama Mohan Rao and deputy chairman P L Haranadh were present.